WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- With today's news from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) that consumers will likely be paying as much as 41 percent more, on average, than last year to heat their home, the nation's shareholder-owned electric utilities are telling their customers that energy-saving advice and help is a phone call or 'mouse' click away. Low- income customers, who spend a disproportionate amount of their income on energy, will find assistance from electric utilities nationwide as well.

Mike McGrath, EEI's Executive Director of Retail Energy Services, said, "Consumers should start now to make their home more energy efficient. And the best place to start is at their electric utility. All utilities offer free energy-saving advice. More and more are now also offering an online energy audit, which can tell you where your home or business might be wasting energy. Many also have other services, such as new home construction programs, rebates on efficient products, and low interest loans to make energy efficiency improvements."

Little steps to save energy can really add up. "Consumers and businesses working with electric utilities during the past 10 years have saved an amount equal to the yearly electric use of 52 million homes," said McGrath.

The electric utility industry also has help for the nation's low- income customers this winter. Many electric utilities offer billing assistance, weatherization, economic development, community outreach, and more.

EEI is urging additional funding for a key federal program, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as well. To learn more about the electric power industry's support for low- income customers, visit http://www.eei.org/retail/low-incom e.

Finally, there is much consumers can do themselves to take charge of their energy use. And they can do so at little or no cost. EEI has produced a free booklet, "More than 100 Ways to Improve Your Electric Bill" that offers energy saving tips and advice for using energy more efficiently throughout the home (http://www.eei.org). This booklet also describes the new federal tax credits that will be offered to consumers starting in January.

For more on improving energy efficiency and the help available from the electric utility industry, please visit EEI's Web site at http://www.eei.org/wiseuse.

Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association of U.S. shareholder- owned electric companies, international affiliates and industry associates worldwide. Our U.S. members serve roughly 90 percent of the ultimate customers in the shareholder-owned segment of the industry, nearly 70 percent of all electric utility ultimate customers in the nation, and generate nearly 70 percent of the electricity produced in the United States. SOURCE Edison Electric Institute